L. Krishnamoorthy, CEO of the Madhya Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, detailed the state's leadership in wildlife conservation at the India Today Tourism Conclave.
This approach demonstrates how high-density wildlife populations can coexist with tourism to create a sustainable economic model for local communities. By integrating strict environmental policies with tourism, the state aims to set a global benchmark for responsible conservation.
Madhya Pradesh currently manages nine tiger reserves [2] and supports a population of 785 wild tigers [2]. The state has focused on expanding its biodiversity through strategic initiatives, including large-scale chital translocation and the high-profile re-introduction of cheetahs into the Kuno National Park.
Project Cheetah has reached a milestone of three years since its inception [4]. The effort has contributed to a total Indian cheetah population of 53 animals [3]. This project serves as a cornerstone for the state's wildlife tourism strategy, linking species recovery with public awareness.
Krishnamoorthy said the state employs a community-driven ecotourism model. This framework relies on strict sustainability guidelines and zero-garbage policies to minimize the human footprint in sensitive habitats.
The model seeks to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local inhabitants, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflict. By involving residents in the management of ecotourism, the state creates a financial incentive for the protection of natural corridors, and endangered species.
“Madhya Pradesh currently manages nine tiger reserves”
The Madhya Pradesh model suggests a shift from traditional 'fortress conservation'—where humans are excluded from protected areas—toward an integrated system. By tying the economic success of local communities to the survival of apex predators like tigers and cheetahs, the state is testing whether market-driven ecotourism can provide a scalable solution to biodiversity loss.
